Archived Story

Flu bug officially arrives in Missoula County
By MICHAEL MOORE of the Missoulian

Missoula County officially has the flu.

Although there have been a few “quick test” positives, only one has been confirmed by the Montana State Public Health Lab.

The Missoula County case is now one of seven statewide, and most appear to be the same strain of flu.

Health officials said testing for flu has increased dramatically over the past few weeks, as more and more people come down with flu-like symptoms.

The flu kills about 36,000 Americans each year and is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations.

January and February are historically peak times for flu in Montana and the nation.

That said, there's still time to get a flu shot.

“It's not too late to get a flu shot and protect yourself,” said Vicki Barnard, outpatient supervisor at the Missoula City-County Health Department. “The flu season is just beginning.”

Unlike some other years, there's plenty of flu vaccine this year, and vaccination remains the best way to stay flu-free.

Vaccination is especially recommended for children aged 6 months to 18 years, people over age 50, health care works and residents of chronic-care facilities.

Even if you get a flu shot, you body will take about two weeks to develop antibodies to the flu.

“Influenza typically peaks in January or February in Montana, so people should continue to get vaccinated through the first few months of the year,” Barnard said.

The city-county health department offers walk-in flu shots from Monday through Friday, from 9-11:30 a.m., and 1-4:30 p.m. On Wednesday, shots begin at 10 a.m.

The cost is $20 for adults and $14 on a sliding fee for children 6 months through 18 years.
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)
Current Word Count:
   

Joe wrote on Jan 6, 2009 2:26 PM:

" "The flu kills about 36,000 Americans each year". It took me 5 minutes to find out that this statement is totally false. Are people of Montana really gullible? "

a montanan wrote on Jan 19, 2009 2:17 PM:

" How many people get sick or die from the flu every year?

Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.


cdc website http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm "

|

Subscribe to the Missoulian today — get 2 weeks free!